People's Pharmacy

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Dandruff Shampoo May Ease Jock Itch

Posting Date: 10/11/2004

Q. I used to think Coumadin was just for old folks, but I recently developed two blood clots in my legs at age 42. My work requires hours on end sitting at a computer terminal and my doctor thinks that contributed.

I am totally confused about what I can and can?t eat and which drugs or supplements to avoid. My pharmacist warned me about aspirin and cranberries. Is there anything else I should know about?

A. Dozens of foods, drugs, herbs and dietary supplements may interact with Coumadin (warfarin) and alter the anticoagulant effect. Some, like broccoli and other green vegetables, contain vitamin K that can counteract Coumadin, increasing the risk of blood clots. Others, like cranberries and tomatoes, might have an independent effect that could pose a bleeding problem.

We are sending you our Guides to Food and Coumadin Interactions and Herbal Remedies for a more complete discussion of this confusing situation. Anyone who would like copies, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. FED-192, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Although people are frequently warned about aspirin interactions, regular use of other pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) also poses risks. Arthritis remedies like glucosamine and chondroitin may increase the chance of bleeding when combined with Coumadin.

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In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.org. Their newest book is The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies (St. Martin's Press).